Courageous advocacy is defined by the Church of England as ‘the act of speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.’
At Kessingland Church of England Primary School we have a strong emphasis on encouraging our pupils to become courageous advocates, not just locally, but nationally and globally. We encourage them to champion causes that are special and meaningful to them.
It is important for our children appreciate their role as part of a community and further afield. We want to provide opportunities for them to take responsibility to foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world. As part of this we are working towards our Global Neighbours accreditation.
We support a range of charities in our local area, nationally and globally. The school also works closely with St Edmund’s Church to identify links in our community.
In recent years we have carried out a range of different fund raising events to support many good causes, some of which include:
- Kessingland Foodbank
- Finnbar’s Force
- Sports Relief;
- Comic Relief;
- Children in Need;
- The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Our school community and curriculum actively embraces a responsibility for the world in which we live. We provide opportunities for our children to be part of the local community and show their connection with, and care for, the world in which we all live and care for the people who live in it.
- Links with the local care home – Manor Farm Care Home. Singing Christmas songs and making Easter bonnets.
- Charities of significance to our children, staff and families – Finnbar’s Force, Diabetes UK, Cystic Fibrosis.
- Student Council who seek the views of pupils as to which causes we want to support.
- Links with St Edmund’s Church
- Strong PTA with community events such as Christmas and Summer Fayres, discos and film nights.
- Liaison with the Parish Council to support the Youth Culture Fund.
- Strong links with local pre-schools and High Schools.
- Regular communication and information shared in the Parish news in the local community.
- Taking part in an inter-generational choir and performing at First Light.
Examples of courageous advocacy by members of our school:
- Two members of staff completed a sponsored swim for Diabetes.
- A member of staff completed the skipping challenge for Cancer Research.
- A pupil in Year 6 wanted to encourage pupils to eat more vegetarian food so worked with School Council to create a special vegetarian menu.
